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Matthew 22:23 - the danger of not knowing Scripture - Day 193

Yesterday's passage was not very theological.  Today's is very theological.  I have only scratched the surface, but hope this encourages us to question ourselves about "knowledge of Scripture and the power of God".

Blessings 

Jeff

This is a fascinating dialogue between Sadducees and Jesus.  So let's interrogate the passage.

What distinguishes the Sadducees from other Jewish doctrinal positions?  They deny that there is a resurrection.  They are absolutely committed to this doctrine.

How does their commitment shape their thought and questions? Even though they don't believe in the resurrection, they formulate a question focused on showing the absurdity of the resurrection.  They are not pointing to a passage of scripture that supports them, but asking a hypothetical question to make resurrection look silly.

What is the purpose of the "Levirate marriage"? Deuteronomy 5:5-8.  First this is not a violation of the 7th commandment (adultery).  Brothers were prohibited from sexual relations with sister-in-law while the brother was alive.  But this special rule was given to raise up an heir if a brother died.  This is a real challenge if the first born son dies with no heir.  The second born would stand to inherit, but he is required to marry the widow.  The focus is on physical life

What is the error that Jesus charges them with?  Not knowing Scripture nor power of God.  They are trying to use a special rule about heirs in this life to the future life after the resurrection.  So they "knew" about the special case but did not apply it appropriately.

Why might the Sadducees come to their conclusion?  The resurrection isn't explicitly taught in the OT.  There are hints but a future life and a resurrection are not really the same thing.  For example, David was sure he would see his dead infant son.  And Job knew he would see God in his flesh.  But bodily resurrection might not be required. 

What should we learn from this?

Debate about doctrine must be based on Scripture, not hypotheticals. 

The author gets to say what the book means.  Sadducees are readers, not authors.  Of course they also denied that Jesus was God.  So they didn't recognize His authority.  But we do recognize Jesus as author.  What He says about the Word and its teaching is true.


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